Doing STUPID things before the Open

Well, this wasn't a post I really wanted to write.. but I have to..   Not only because I've said in the past that my Journey into Crossfit is about everything that is Good, and Bad.

I've been doing Crossfit for about 13 months now.  I wanted to prove to myself that all this hard work, all the extra time I spent practicing on my weakness post WOD paid off.

All the talk at the box, the many on and off-line articles leading up to the big date of the Open; it was hard not to get caught up in it.   I even wrote the date down on my whiteboard at work.  I waited eagerly for the online registration to be open.   This being my first Crossfit Open; I have been eager to see where I would stand with the rest of my peers.  I've been more than excited and been actively asking others if they were going to participate in the Open.   I was so looking forward to this event!


Stupid Move

Remember, a few blog posting ago; Day 125: Box Jumps.....  I had mention that I will probably regret participating in the Box Jumps.   Well, yup; that decision has costed me my chance to participate in the Open.   I have once again, re-injured my ankle.  It's more of a sprain.  However, walking on it causes pain (thus you tend to walk a bit differently to avoid the pain).  Of course, this stresses the Achilles and other joints in the foot.  Anyways, long story made short.  It's not just my Ankle that is sore, it's now my Achilles and other parts of my foot.

Call it a lapse of clarity or just a moment of stupidity.  I know in the past that I said I would never do a Box Jump.   I've always in the past modified and did Step-Ups instead of Box Jumps.  I know that I had weak ankles, and yet; I still did them.  I even consulted with the coach for a modification.  But opted to do 3 rounds, 4 reps each of low Box Jumps (20").   We figured that would be safe.

I've been in physiotherapy this week and will be there next week to speed up the recovery.

I can only suspect that some of this might also had to do with the previous injury that I had encounter a few weeks before with a tight IT band which then caused my knee cap to be pull about an inch to the right of where it normally sit.  Physiotherapy had been working on resolving that issue prior to the above incident.

Equals No CF Open

Announcement of 14.1 is schedule for Thursday, February 27th.   Something that I won't be able to participate in this year.     I can always say that this was a sign I wasn't ready to do it this year.   There will always be next year.   I'll just work on getting stronger, training "smarter", and improving myself. 


Refocusing on what I can do

Prior to the injuries, I had ask/inquired with one of the strength trainer, Bryan about focusing more on Strength training.  I had wanted to do this sooner, but with the signing up for the Open; I decided to delay my decision.   Now with this recent injury; I've decided to move forward with the change.

I'm trying to be proactive and protect my ankles and prevent injuries like this from happening.  I suspect it puts a great deal of stress on my ligaments, and other parts which I'm not an expert other than being the individual in pain.   I probably should had done this sooner and made the switch.  I know that my wife (Cindy), my primary workout partner (Leanne), and probably some of my coaches are pretty much tired of my reoccurring injuries.  Hell, I'm tired of this!!

I've always enjoyed lifting weights after starting Crossfit.  It was one of the areas I want to excel in.  I had the opportunities to attend the numerous Strength, Squat/Press clinics that was held at the JUNGLE.   Weight training is for everyone and it's good for your health.   It's even more important for people who have other health issues, such as Diabetes.

I'm not sure what changes will be needed, but I'm sure all modifications will be done accordingly. This I will leave for a future discussion with my coaches.


How does this impact my future goals?

I suspect my long-term goal of running and participate in events such as Spartan Race is now lost.

However, I might look toward other activities such as cycling as an alternative.  Perhaps in the future I can set my goals on doing a MS Bike Tour.   All is not lost, we just have to roll with the punches and make changes.   As for my mobility, I'll continue doing yoga.   I'll will continue with the Hot Yin and Hatha classes.   I'm sure I'll be also exploring other types of yoga in the future.


Does that mean I'm not doing Crossfit?

No, this doesn't mean I won't be doing Crossfit.  It's changes or modifications that I need to do to make things work for me.  How it will change, I'm not 100% sure yet.   But I'm sure I'll be blogging about it.


A cheer to those who are doing the Open

Our Crossfit affiliate:  Rock Jungle Crossfit

Team Frosty Bars

which includes the roster of those participating (30+ individuals, age ranging from 20s to 50s)

I wish you all the best and you beating your PR!!!  I will be there to cheer you on from the side!!




For the others....

Just a note for those CF Haters, and Negative people who are still in my life.  Crossfit itself is not dangerous!  Sports frequently causes Injuries.  Period.  And certain sports have a predominance toward certain injuries.

I've encounter this same injury before with Running, and other workouts that stresses my ankle.  So taking that same ignorant opinion, should Running be classified as dangerous as it too causes injuries?   I'm sure all the runners out there would love to hear your logic.   It's just a fact that I have weak ankles and I have to be more mindful about pushing beyond my limits.